Meet your daily hydration needs and keep your body hydrated by eating lots of veggies that have a high water content.
Drinking water is a part of living a healthy lifestyle. Staying hydrated keeps your energy levels up, boosts your mood, and helps you focus. Did you know that you can meet your daily intake of water by eating fruits and veggies, too? Fruits and vegetables have “gel water” that is absorbed more slowly in the body than regular drinking water.
Gel water is structured water that’s found in fruits, vegetables, and chia seeds. Think of the water that’s inside of an aloe vera plant or a cactus if you break a leaf open. This gel helps the plants store water in very dry climates. It also helps your body stay hydrated.
Here are 6 vegetables that can help you meet your hydration needs:
1. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are 92% water. They make a quick and easy snack to take with you and snack when you’re hungry. Just slice them up and bring them in whatever container is best for your needs. Whether you choose green, red, or yellow bell peppers, they are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
2. Tomato
Second, a tomato has about 94% water. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin K among other vitamins and minerals. Cooked tomatoes are rich in lycopene. Try tomato sauces, tomato soup, or stewed tomatoes for rich sources of lycopene. Lycopene fights free radicals that damage cells. It may also help prevent lung, prostate, and stomach cancers.
3. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is another vegetable that has a high water content. Like tomatoes, it’s a good source of vitamins C and K. It’s easy to bring cauliflower along with you for a quick snack that also meets your hydration needs. Cauliflower is over 90% water.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli is also over 90% water. It is high in vitamins and minerals, and it’s another good source of vitamins C and K, as well as vitamin E. Plus, it’s an excellent source of fiber and even contains 2.8 grams of protein per 100 grams of broccoli. This vegetable is another one that is easy to pack for a midday snack at work or on the trail.
5. Celery
Celery is a satisfying vegetable that helps you meet your hydration needs and goes well with a variety of foods. This veggie is over 90% water. You can cut it to fit almost any container, so it’s a convenient snack to bring with you. It’s high in vitamins C and K like most of the veggies on this list. It’s also high in fiber and potassium. Plus, celery is delicious with a variety of healthy dips.
6. Spinach
Spinach is 92% water. It’s rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium, plus B-vitamins. This leafy green vegetable is delicious, and it can be prepared in a variety of ways. Spinach is excellent in sandwiches, as a salad with walnuts and strawberries, or cooked. There are so many ways that you can eat spinach, and all of them help you meet your hydration needs
Organic Veggies
While you’re at it, don’t forget to choose organic vegetables if possible. By eating organic vegetables, you can avoid pesticides and other toxins while potentially getting more nutrients from your veggies. See this article on the levels of nutrition in foods.
